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Crackdown on last remaining clip joints
SLEAZE-BUSTERS have pulled the plug on one of Soho’s last remaining clip joints.
Council officers and police swooped on the hostess bar in Great Windmill Street last week, shutting down the racket that fleeced thousands of men out of their money on the promise of sex.
Clip joints, sometimes called fleshpots, lure customers in by suggesting the possibility of sex. After charging extortionate prices for watered-down drinks they eject customers when they become unwilling to spend more money.
There are now believed to be just two remaining clip joints operating in Soho.
The raid was part of a wider crackdown on sleaze in the area, with inspectors gearing up to destroy more than two tonnes of pornographic DVDs and magazines seized in the last month.
Councillor Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community protection, said: “The sex and adult entertainment industry is a recognised part of Soho, but it must be regulated to protect our children and prevent exploitation of the vulnerable.
“What is distasteful is that people will always try to exploit others through sex for profit.
“Most people who are ripped off by these premises are too embarrassed to report them and they can often continue to trade unchecked.
“This is what we are guarding against.
“These kind of seedy and exploitative premises are not welcome and detract from the legitimate and valued entertainment offer in the West End.” |
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